Cost of Living in Solomon Islands - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Solomon Islands
Address: SB

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $2,117 per month with rent on average across Solomon Islands.

A couple spends around $2,846 per month with rent on average across Solomon Islands.

A family of three spends around $3,574 per month with rent on average across Solomon Islands.

Across 2 cities in Solomon Islands, monthly living costs range from $2,103 to $2,132 – a $29.00 difference that makes location a key factor.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.45 SBD 35.74

$2.97 SBD 23.80

$5.94 SBD 47.67

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$54.3 SBD 435

$42.19 SBD 339

$84.4 SBD 677

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.00 SBD 96.3

$10.20 SBD 81.8

$15.00 SBD 120

Cappuccino

$3.02 SBD 24.23

$1.76 SBD 14.12

$5.27 SBD 42.27

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.51 SBD 12.15

$1.21 SBD 9.72

$2.42 SBD 19.44

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.17 SBD 9.38

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.46 SBD 19.77

$1.60 SBD 12.85

$6.89 SBD 55.3

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.24 SBD 26.00

$2.36 SBD 18.96

$5.90 SBD 47.33

Milk (1 liter)

$2.63 SBD 21.13

$2.10 SBD 16.84

$3.49 SBD 27.99

White Bread (500g)

$1.47 SBD 11.76

$1.23 SBD 9.87

$1.85 SBD 14.81

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.43 SBD 11.49

$1.17 SBD 9.38

$1.75 SBD 14.07

Eggs

$5.43 SBD 43.55

$3.52 SBD 28.27

$6.35 SBD 51.0

Local Cheese (1kg)

$5.86 SBD 47.03

$2.38 SBD 19.10

$8.32 SBD 66.8

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.30 SBD 66.6

$4.79 SBD 38.46

$9.83 SBD 78.9

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.33 SBD 115

$8.52 SBD 68.4

$30.42 SBD 244

Apples (1kg)

$8.29 SBD 66.5

$1.17 SBD 9.40

$11.69 SBD 93.8

Banana (1kg)

$2.65 SBD 21.23

$2.35 SBD 18.87

$5.87 SBD 47.10

Oranges (1kg)

$7.34 SBD 58.9

$1.78 SBD 14.30

$11.86 SBD 95.2

Tomato (1kg)

$3.23 SBD 25.95

$1.21 SBD 9.70

$6.04 SBD 48.43

Potato (1kg)

$2.31 SBD 18.53

$1.22 SBD 9.75

$3.03 SBD 24.30

Onion (1kg)

$3.14 SBD 25.18

$2.35 SBD 18.83

$5.86 SBD 47.00

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.47 SBD 11.76

$1.21 SBD 9.74

$2.43 SBD 19.47

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.14 SBD 9.15

$0.62 SBD 4.94

$1.23 SBD 9.89

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.96 SBD 31.79

$3.73 SBD 29.91

$4.66 SBD 37.41

Wine (Bottle)

$12.63 SBD 101

$6.31 SBD 50.6

$18.95 SBD 152

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.85 SBD 14.85

$1.57 SBD 12.59

$2.56 SBD 20.50

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.92 SBD 23.41

$2.11 SBD 16.91

$3.50 SBD 28.11

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.34 SBD 2.75

$0.69 SBD 5.51

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$29.78 SBD 239

$17.87 SBD 143

$29.78 SBD 239

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.19 SBD 9.55

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.22 SBD 9.80

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$11.92 SBD 95.6

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.39 SBD 11.17

$1.21 SBD 9.71

$1.63 SBD 13.11

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$19.8K SBD 158.6K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$21.3K SBD 170.7K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$728 SBD 5,838

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$23.37 SBD 188

$12.14 SBD 97.4

$48.57 SBD 390

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$97.2 SBD 780

$53.6 SBD 430

$119 SBD 955

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$18.03 SBD 145

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$5.88 SBD 47.15

Cinema Ticket

$4.30 SBD 34.52

$2.46 SBD 19.77

$4.30 SBD 34.52

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$119 SBD 958

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$2,249 SBD 18.0K

$1,205 SBD 9,665

$3,132 SBD 25.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$24.41 SBD 196

$11.67 SBD 93.6

$35.72 SBD 287

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$89.1 SBD 715

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$96.2 SBD 772

$36.09 SBD 290

$120 SBD 965

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$90.0 SBD 722

$48.64 SBD 390

$122 SBD 976

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$523 SBD 4,193

$419 SBD 3,360

$718 SBD 5,760

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$474 SBD 3,802

$361 SBD 2,897

$1,204 SBD 9,657

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,106 SBD 8,875

$587 SBD 4,713

$1,762 SBD 14.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$910 SBD 7,305

$479 SBD 3,845

$2,995 SBD 24.0K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$86.7K SBD 695.6K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$61.6K SBD 494.0K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$472 SBD 3,790

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

16.33

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A central one-bedroom averages $563 nationally. In Honiara, expect around $547, while Gizo – the country's most affordable city overall – comes in at $580.

The average net salary across Solomon Islands is $545 – below average monthly costs of $2,117. Many locals rely on dual incomes or shared housing. Remote workers earning abroad find strong purchasing power here.

Groceries average around $340 per month nationally. A mid-range dinner for two costs about $53.0.

Most affordable: Gizo at $2,103 per month. The capital, Honiara, sits at $2,132. Across the country, monthly costs span roughly $29.00 between the cheapest and priciest cities.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($2,117) is 58% above the global median of $1,340.

Public transport ($27.00) is 18% below the global median of $33.00.

Solomon Islands Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living in Solomon Islands - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with major capitals, Solomon Islands offers relatively gentle everyday costs, especially for housing, local food, and outdoor activities. In urban centers like Honiara you may find practical apartments and a range of eateries that keep dining affordable, while imported goods and specialty items push up prices. Rural isles tend to be even more budget-friendly if you adapt shopping and transport to local routines. Cost of Living in Solomon Islands varies by island and lifestyle, so you can design a simple yet comfortable setup with careful planning around markets and ferries. Tip: Look for guesthouses with kitchen access and flexible leases to stay nimble.

Daily life centers on flexible schedules and close access to nature. Housing search favors long-term rentals in urban zones near markets or harbors, with basic apartments to fit different budgets. Food options range from grand markets with fresh produce to simple eateries that cater to local tastes; for cooking at home, local staples are reliable. Transport most commonly involves buses, ferries, or shared taxis; plan for slower timetables and occasional delays. Solomon Islands living cost tends to be influenced by location, so pick a base that minimizes long commutes and keeps errands manageable. Tip: Test the area with a weekend reconnaissance walk and chat with locals about transit times.

Quality of life in Solomon Islands centers on community, outdoor access, and a slower pace. Build a simple budgeting framework: separate essentials (housing, food, transport) from discretionary spending (e.g., weekend trips, coworking). Save by choosing local markets, using shared transport, and staying in homes with kitchen facilities. Seasonality affects weather and goods availability; plan around the rainy season and local harvest cycles to maintain steady grocery options. To find the right neighborhood, consider proximity to markets, clinics, and reliable internet if you work remotely. Tip: Start with a short-term stay in a few areas to test fit before committing long-term.

In 2026, monthly costs in Solomon Islands range from $2,103 in smaller cities to $2,132 in major hubs. Where you choose to live makes a dramatic difference – the gap between cheapest and most expensive cities is huge.

Living costs across Solomon Islands vary hugely by location. In 2026, monthly expenses range from $2,103 in affordable regions to $2,132 in major cities. Capitals and tourist spots are at the top; smaller provincial towns are significantly cheaper.

Rent in Solomon Islands varies a lot – Honiara has the highest prices, and the gap between capital and provincial rents can be 50% or more. Choosing which city to live in is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make.

In regional cities, $2,500 is plenty. In Honiara? You'll need to plan carefully, especially around housing. Shared apartments or outer neighborhoods are the usual workarounds.

Solomon Islands is mid-range globally, with more affordable cities starting around $2,103 per month. Not the cheapest option out there, but far from the most expensive – a reasonable balance of cost and quality of life.